Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A flexible display apparatus comprising: a flexible panel having a first area extending in a first direction, a bending area extending from the first area, and a second area extending from the bending area and extending in a second direction, the first direction and the second direction crossing each other; a plurality of separate protection films on a surface of the flexible panel, a gap between the separate protection films being at the bending area of the flexible panel; and a filler in the gap at the bending area and extending entirely between the plurality of separate protection films to fill a space between one area of the flexible panel corresponding to an inner surface of the flexible panel, one edge of a first one of the protection films facing the first direction, and one edge of a second one of the protection films facing the second direction, wherein the filler directly contacts with the separate protection films and the flexible panel, wherein the first area comprises a first display area for displaying an image, the second area comprises a second display area for displaying an image, and the bending area comprises a display area for displaying an image.
2. The flexible display apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of separate protection films comprises a first protection film and a second protection film, wherein the first protection film is in the first area, and the second protection film is in the second area, and wherein the filler is in the bending area and extends between the first area and the second area.
A flexible display apparatus includes a display panel with a first area, a second area, and a bending area connecting the first and second areas. The display panel is configured to bend along the bending area, allowing the first and second areas to be folded or unfolded relative to each other. The apparatus includes a plurality of separate protection films, including a first protection film in the first area and a second protection film in the second area. A filler material is positioned in the bending area and extends between the first and second areas. The filler supports the bending area while allowing flexibility, preventing damage to the display panel during repeated bending. The protection films shield the display panel from external impacts and environmental factors in their respective areas. The filler may be an adhesive or a flexible material that maintains structural integrity while accommodating bending motions. This design ensures durability and reliability in flexible display applications, such as foldable smartphones or tablets, by protecting the display panel from stress concentrations and external damage.
3. The flexible display apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the flexible panel has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and wherein the first protection film and the second protection film are on one of the first surface and the second surface and are spaced from each other.
4. The flexible display apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the flexible panel comprises: a flexible substrate on which a thin film transistor and an organic light-emitting diode are arranged; and a thin film encapsulation layer over the flexible substrate, and wherein the thin film encapsulation layer is the first surface of the flexible panel.
A flexible display apparatus addresses the challenge of creating durable, bendable displays for portable electronic devices. The apparatus includes a flexible panel with a flexible substrate, a thin film transistor, and an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) arranged on the substrate. A thin film encapsulation layer is deposited over the substrate to protect the OLED and transistor layers from moisture and oxygen, ensuring long-term reliability. The encapsulation layer forms the outermost surface of the flexible panel, providing a smooth, protective barrier while maintaining flexibility. This design enables the display to withstand repeated bending and folding without damage, making it suitable for foldable smartphones, wearable devices, and other applications requiring flexible screens. The encapsulation layer's placement as the first surface ensures optimal protection while preserving the display's flexibility and performance. The combination of a flexible substrate, OLED technology, and a robust encapsulation layer allows for thin, lightweight, and durable displays that can adapt to various form factors.
5. The flexible display apparatus of claim 3 , further comprising a functional film on the first surface of the flexible panel, wherein the first protection film and the second protection film are under the second surface of the flexible panel, and wherein the bending area is bent from the first surface toward the second surface.
A flexible display apparatus includes a flexible panel with a first surface and a second surface, where the panel is configured to bend along a bending area. The apparatus further includes a first protection film and a second protection film positioned under the second surface of the flexible panel, providing structural support and protection. A functional film is applied to the first surface of the flexible panel, which may include layers for touch sensitivity, optical enhancement, or other display functionalities. The bending area is designed to curve from the first surface toward the second surface, allowing the display to fold or flex in a controlled manner. This configuration ensures that the functional film remains on the outer surface during bending, while the protection films shield the inner surface from stress or damage. The apparatus is particularly useful in foldable or rollable electronic devices, where durability and flexibility are critical. The arrangement of films and the bending direction optimize the display's mechanical stability and performance during repeated use.
6. The flexible display apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first area comprises a display area for displaying an image, wherein the bending area comprises an auxiliary display area or a circuit area electrically connected to the display area, and wherein the second area comprises an edge area.
7. The flexible display apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the first area extends in a first direction, and wherein the second area is bent from the bending area and at least partially overlaps the first area.
A flexible display apparatus includes a display panel with a first area, a second area, and a bending area connecting the two. The first area extends in a first direction, while the second area is bent from the bending area and at least partially overlaps the first area. This configuration allows the display to fold or bend in a way that positions the second area over the first area, enabling compact storage or a dual-screen arrangement. The bending area facilitates the transition between the two areas, ensuring flexibility without damaging the display. This design is useful for portable electronic devices where space efficiency and multi-functional display capabilities are desired. The overlapping configuration can enhance durability by protecting the second area when not in use or provide a larger display surface when unfolded. The apparatus may also include additional features such as a support structure to maintain the bent shape or sensors to detect the bending state for dynamic display adjustments. The overlapping design optimizes space utilization while maintaining functionality in both folded and unfolded states.
8. The flexible display apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the first protection film in the first area and the second protection film in the second area face each other.
A flexible display apparatus includes a flexible display panel with a first area and a second area. The first area has a first protection film, and the second area has a second protection film. The first and second protection films are positioned to face each other, providing enhanced protection and structural support. The display panel may be configured to bend or fold along a bending axis, allowing the first and second areas to move relative to each other. The protection films may be made of materials such as polyimide, polyethylene terephthalate, or other flexible, durable materials. The apparatus may also include a hinge structure or a flexible adhesive layer between the protection films to facilitate smooth bending. The protection films may have different thicknesses or properties to optimize durability and flexibility in their respective areas. This design improves the mechanical stability and longevity of the flexible display, particularly in foldable or rollable devices, by preventing damage to the display panel during repeated bending or folding. The apparatus may be used in smartphones, tablets, or other portable electronic devices requiring flexible displays.
9. The flexible display apparatus of claim 8 , wherein a surface of the first protection film and a surface of the second protection film contact each other.
10. The flexible display apparatus of claim 8 , wherein the filler fills a space between one area of the second surface of the flexible panel corresponding to an inner surface of the bent flexible panel and one edge of the first protection film and one edge the second protection film that are adjacent each other.
A flexible display apparatus includes a flexible panel with a first surface and a second surface, where the panel is bent to form an inner surface. The apparatus also includes a first protection film attached to the first surface and a second protection film attached to the second surface. The first and second protection films are positioned such that their edges are adjacent to each other. A filler material is used to fill the space between an area of the second surface of the flexible panel, corresponding to the inner surface of the bent flexible panel, and the adjacent edges of the first and second protection films. This configuration ensures structural stability and protection of the flexible display during bending, preventing damage to the panel and maintaining display integrity. The filler material may be an adhesive or a non-adhesive substance, depending on the application requirements. The protection films shield the flexible panel from external impacts and environmental factors, while the filler material reinforces the bent region, reducing stress concentrations and improving durability. This design is particularly useful in foldable or rollable display devices where repeated bending could otherwise lead to failure.
11. The flexible display apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the first area comprises a display area for displaying an image, and wherein the second area comprises a pad area where a pad terminal is arranged.
A flexible display apparatus includes a flexible display panel with a first area and a second area. The first area functions as a display area for showing images, while the second area serves as a pad area where a pad terminal is positioned. The pad terminal is used for electrical connections, such as interfacing with external devices or internal components. The flexible display panel is designed to bend or fold, allowing the apparatus to adapt to different form factors or usage scenarios. The display area may include pixels and driving circuitry to render visual content, while the pad area may contain conductive pads or connectors for signal transmission. The apparatus may also include a flexible substrate supporting the display and pad areas, along with protective layers to enhance durability. The pad terminal in the second area enables connectivity for power, data, or control signals, ensuring proper functionality of the display apparatus. This design allows for compact and versatile electronic devices, such as foldable smartphones or wearable displays, where space efficiency and flexibility are critical. The apparatus may further include additional components like touch sensors or protective coatings to enhance user interaction and longevity.
12. A flexible display apparatus comprising: a flexible panel having a first area, a bending area extending from the first area, and a second area extending from the bending area; a first protection film and a second protection film on a surface of the flexible panel, a gap between the first protection film and the second protection film being at the bending area of the flexible panel; a filler in the gap at the bending area and extending between the first protection film and the second protection film; and a cover film on the filler, wherein the flexible panel has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, wherein the first protection film and the second protection film are on the first surface of the flexible panel, wherein the bending area is bent from the first surface toward the second surface, wherein the first surface is an outer surface of the bent flexible panel, wherein the filler is on the first surface of the bent flexible panel, wherein the filler directly contacts the first protection film, the second protection film, the flexible panel, and the cover film, and wherein the first area comprises a first display area for displaying an image, the second area comprises a second display area for displaying an image, and the bending area comprises a display area for displaying an image.
13. The flexible display apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the cover film covers at least a portion of the first protection film, at least a portion of the second protection film, and the filler between the first protection film and the second protection film.
14. The flexible display apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the flexible panel is an out-foldable panel.
A flexible display apparatus includes a flexible panel that can be folded outward, allowing the display surface to remain visible and functional when folded. The apparatus is designed to address the limitations of traditional rigid displays, which cannot adapt to different form factors or usage scenarios. By incorporating an out-foldable panel, the display can be compactly folded while maintaining visibility and usability, making it suitable for portable devices, foldable smartphones, or wearable electronics. The flexible panel is constructed from materials that allow repeated bending without damage, ensuring durability. The apparatus may also include a support structure to maintain the panel's shape during folding and unfolding, preventing deformation or stress concentration. The out-foldable design enables the display to transition between different configurations, such as a flat state for full-screen viewing or a folded state for compact storage. This innovation enhances the versatility of flexible displays, making them more practical for real-world applications where adaptability and portability are essential. The apparatus may further include sensors or control mechanisms to detect folding states and adjust display content accordingly, improving user experience. The out-foldable panel's design ensures that the display remains functional and visually clear regardless of its folded position, addressing challenges related to image distortion or visibility loss in traditional foldable displays.
15. The flexible display apparatus of claim 12 , further comprising a reinforcement film on the second surface of the flexible panel, wherein the second surface is an inner surface of the flexible panel.
A flexible display apparatus includes a flexible panel with a first surface for displaying content and a second surface opposite the first surface. The second surface is an inner surface of the flexible panel, meaning it faces inward when the display is in use. To enhance structural integrity and durability, a reinforcement film is applied to this inner surface. The reinforcement film provides additional stiffness and protection, preventing deformation or damage to the flexible panel during bending or handling. This design is particularly useful in portable electronic devices where the display must withstand repeated flexing without compromising performance or visual quality. The reinforcement film may be made of materials such as polyimide, metal foils, or composite layers, chosen based on the required flexibility and strength characteristics. By reinforcing the inner surface, the display maintains its structural integrity while allowing the outer surface to remain smooth and unobstructed for optimal viewing. This solution addresses the challenge of balancing flexibility with durability in modern foldable or rollable display technologies.
16. The flexible display apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the filler comprises an optically clear resin.
A flexible display apparatus includes a flexible display panel and a filler material positioned between the display panel and a support structure. The filler material is an optically clear resin, ensuring transparency and maintaining optical performance while providing structural support. The resin filler helps distribute mechanical stress across the display panel, enhancing durability and flexibility. The support structure may include a flexible substrate or a rigid frame, depending on the application. The optically clear resin allows light to pass through without significant scattering or absorption, preserving display clarity. This design is particularly useful in foldable or rollable electronic devices, where maintaining display integrity under repeated bending or deformation is critical. The resin filler also helps prevent delamination between the display panel and the support structure, improving long-term reliability. The apparatus may further include additional layers, such as protective coatings or adhesive layers, to enhance performance. The optically clear resin filler ensures that the display remains visually unobstructed while providing mechanical reinforcement, making it suitable for high-performance flexible display applications.
17. A flexible display apparatus comprising: a flexible panel having a first area comprising display area for displaying an image, a bending area extending from the first area, and a second area extending from the bending area; a plurality of separate protection films on a surface of the flexible panel, the separate protection films having a gap there between at the bending area of the flexible panel; and a filler in the gap at the bending area and extending between the plurality of separate protection films, wherein each of the plurality of separate protection films has a side surface crossing the surface of the flexible panel, wherein adjacent side surfaces of the plurality of separate protection films contact each other to define the gap with the surface of the flexible panel at the bending area, and wherein the filler directly contacts the adjacent side surfaces of the plurality of separate protection films and the surface of the flexible panel, wherein the first area comprises a first display area for displaying an image, the second area comprises a second display area for displaying an image, and the bending area comprises a display area for displaying an image.
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February 2, 2021
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